An open discussion of the effects of rapid technological change on media and society in general--and the hobby of amateur radio in particular by Don Keith N4KC.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Another sign that everything has changed

By Don Keith N4KC

If anyone is still not convinced that a sea change has taken place in how consumers get their television--thanks in part to technological change--just look at the Emmy nominations, announced this morning (July 10, 2014). (In case you didn't see them, I have included most of the major awards below.)

Traditional over-the-air networks are hard to find on the list, and even then, most of the nominations going to the "tower on the hill" gang are to PBS. Instead, most of the kudos for best this-and-that go to everything from HBO to Netflix. This tells us two things: 1) People don't care where they get their video...over the air, cable/satellite, Internet, and, 2) The folks producing truly unique programming content do not hold FCC licenses or own towers.

Here's one more bit of proof: the only categories in which traditional networks dominate are those labeled "Reality." I know they have their fans and viewers, but these, to me, are the least unique and creative categories of all.

Scroll through the nominations. See how often Netflix, HBO, FX and AMC pop up. Then look for CBS, ABC, Fox or NBC.

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This blog is intended to be a forum for rational discussion about activities and issues related to changing technology as it affects all of us, including but not limited to the wonderful hobby of amateur radio. Your participation is not only welcomed, it is encouraged. I'm not aware of anything similar in the "blogsphere," so I hope this simple effort will become an active "frequency" where everyone will feel free to discuss topics in a reasonable way and learn from each other. Nothing is off limits! Technical posts are welcome, as well as comments and thoughts about regulations, modes of operation, operating practices, media, advertising and other rapid technological change and its effect on society.

Change is inevitable. How we react to that change will determine how it effects our lifestyles, our families, our hobby.

I also hope this blog will lead to more thoughful and well-informed discussion than what we typically see on such forums as eHam.net and QRZ.com. And that it will become an active Elmer forum for others interested in or new to amateur radio.

I've been involved with technology all my life, but mostly as it applies to media. I was first licensed as an amateur radio operator...ham radio...in 1961 at the age of 13 as WN4BDW...later WA4BDW. I changed my call sign to N4KC in the 1970s when I got my Extra Class license. I enjoyed a 22-year career in broadcasting and was twice named BILLBOARD magazine's "Broadcast Personality of the Year." I then developed and marketed software to the media and advertising agencies, including a 4-year run with Arbitron, the radio ratings company. Until my retirement in May 2012, I was senior vice-president of advertising and communications for a chain of career colleges headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama. I'm also an author with over 25 books in print. My personal web site is www.donkeith.com, where you can find info on the books.
My ham radio site is www.n4kc.com. I post articles there I hope are of interest to other amateur radio enthusiasts, and especially newcomers to our wonderful hobby.